Congratulations to Bluefield State’s own Brett Settles for being this year’s Scholarship Foundation recipient

The Contractors Association of West Virginia (CAWV) Scholarship Foundation distributed $15,500 this year to West Virginia college students pursuing an education and career in construction or engineering. Recipients were selected on the basis of their academic performance, extracurricular activities, work experience, financial need and an interest in a construction industry career. Eligible schools include West Virginia University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, Marshall University, Fairmont State University and Bluefield State College.

Daniel Craigo, a civil engineering student from Marshall University, was selected as this year’s top scholarship recipient and awarded $6,000. Born and raised in Putnam County, Craigo said his love for building and for West Virginia has fueled his determination to be successful in the construction industry.

“With the support of my family, I have been able to pursue my goal of obtaining my engineering degree at Marshall.” Daniel said during his acceptance speech. “I can’t tell you how much this scholarship will help me achieve that goal. I want you to know that when I graduate, I will stay in West Virginia and make an impact on the construction industry for the state.”

Craigo expressed his thanks to the CAWV Scholarship Foundation, his professors and industry mentors during the CAWV’s State Meeting, held March 22, 2017 during the West Virginia Construction and Design EXPO in Charleston.

In addition to Daniel, the Foundation presented eight other scholarships totaling $9,500. Students receiving scholarship awards were: Dakota Smith, WVU Institute of Technology; Kathleen McDiffitt, Fairmont State University; Joshua Workman, WVU Institute of Technology; Caleb Mitchell, Marshall University; Brett Settles, Bluefield State College; Ben Costello, Fairmont State University; Michael Daetwyler, Fairmont State University; and Eric Starliper, West Virginia University.

“Once again, the CAWV Scholarship Foundation had a great group of applicants this year,” said Scholarship Foundation Chairman and CAWV Past President Gene Thompson.  “All of the students we interviewed have impressive transcripts and leadership skills, with some already having work experience within the industry. They have committed themselves to educational excellence and each one of them will bring a unique benefit to West Virginia’s construction industry in the years to come.”

The CAWV, the state’s largest full service construction association, represents over 425 firms in the building, highway and utility construction industry throughout West Virginia.